Could fleas be causing my puppy to scratch and lick his back and legs?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could certainly be allergies. In reality, Benadryl probably would not help much in this case. Medications to decrease the itch that could help him include prednisone or a medication called Apoquel. The possible secondary infection would have to be treated as well. It really comes down to figuring out what is causing his allergies so that they can be treated or the specific allergen avoided. There are many things that can cause allergies though in most cases they can be broken down into 3 big categories: flea, food and environmental allergies. Allergies are usually worked up in a stepwise fashion starting with flea allergies as this is the easiest and cheapest to take care of. If not on a flea preventative, then it would be a good idea to get started on one. If already on one then it would be a good idea to change to something else (there are many new products out in the market). If not improved in 1-3 months then it is time to move on and check for food allergies by switching to a novel diet (new protein and new carbohydrate). If that does not seem to be the issue then you are left out having to check for environmental allergies which require blood and/or skin tests. Allergies can be very frustrating to deal with at first but so rewarding at the end when we are able to treat them effectively!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This still may be a skin allergy but Benadryl sometimes does not work. I would recommend using a shampoo such as Douxo PS Chlorhexidine combination shampoo and bathe twice weekly until resolve. I would also recommend using products such as welactin omega 3 fish oil, essential 6 spot on by dermoscent and malacetic conditioning spray. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. All of these product recommendations can be found online. If the problem becomes worse, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine Sofie.

If Jeb is a puppy, some itching/scratching can be normal, we often attribute this to growing skin. If the skin is becoming red or raw, there is loss of hair, or the hair is becoming discolored or there are any crusts/dandruff/pimple like lesions these can be signs of an issue such as allergies and would necessitate a visit to the vet. Giving a fatty acid supplement can help keep the skin moisturized and can decrease inflammation and itching. Products are available at your vet's office, at most pet stores, or online (such as the product Welactin). Continued licking of one specific spot on the body, such as the top of the foot/wrist area, can sometimes be seen with compulsive behavior so if it is just one specific spot then a visit to the vet to discuss this is warranted.

Poor pup. Typically a pup this young is licking due to an itch caused by fleas or an allergy. I would first check for fleas and then as a safeguard give Harry a bath in a puppy oatmeal based or aloe based shampoo, allowing him to soak for 5 mins before rinsing him off. Then I would recommend starting him on flea prevention. My only recommendation for a pet this young and this small would be topical Revolution. Thirdly a topical hot spot spray from your local pet store can be tried on the legs to alleviate itching and inflammation. You will also want to place an e-collar on Harry to prevent him from licking the spray right off. I hope that is helps and that Harry’s licking improves soon. Best of luck and take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Typically dogs scratch those areas when they have fleas. Even if you aren't seeing fleas it doesn't mean they aren't there. I recommend getting all pets in the home on monthly prevention every 30 days for at least 3 months. I would call your vet for a dose of Benadryl too. If the Benadryl doesn't help, she may need something stronger to relieve the itch. Good luck and kisses to Meka!

I believe it might actually be part of the original allergic reaction but as there is suspicion he had a reaction to the Benadryl i wouldn't recommend giving it again. instead i would recommend to monitor him, give it 48 hours, if it is not resolved bring him back to the vet for a steroid shot.

Have Linus rechecked by your veterinarian. Given his age, heart disease should be ruled out as a cause for the coughing. Chest xrays and an echocardiogram can assess cardiac size, architecture and function. If the heart checks out, consider advanced diagnostics such as a trans tracheal wash to collect a sample for pathology and culture. This may be able to diagnose infection or inflammatory process. The culture and sensitivity may identify the responsible organism as well as the best antibiotic to use in treatment. He may also have allergies which can be difficult to diagnose given the multiple causes. Consider adding an essential fatty acid supplement (usually a fish oil) to his diet to promote healthy skin. EFAs may also decrease inflammation and itching. Search www.petco.com for fish oil supplements such as DermCaps or EicosaCaps. If allergies are confirmed, your task is to try to determine what he is allergic to and decrease or eliminate it. Discuss food elimination trials, hydrolyzed diets and allergy testing with your vet. Confirm the dose of Benadryl you are giving is appropriate based on body weight. There are other antihistamines you can try, prescription and OTC, if Benadryl is ineffective. Again, discuss options with your veterinarian.